The Relative Utility of the Forensic Disciplines.
Abstract
The efficacy of the forensic disciplines in felony criminal investigations was assessed. Reports and investigations of the findings of 1,069 forensic examinations reviewed involved 920 felony investigations conducted between 1 July and 30 December 1990 by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC). The traditional laboratory disciplines combined conducted 584 (55%) and the psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) discipline conducted 485 (45%) of the examinations. The PDD discipline provided the investigator with 432 (89%) opinions that contained positive results and the laboratory disciplines provided positive results in 431 (74%) examinations. In all categories assessed, regardless of type of crime, a higher solve rate was achieved for USACIDC when multiple forensic disciplines were utilized. The PDD discipline was the most utilized and effective of the individual disciplines, but all forensic disciplines demonstrated a high degree of utility in specific criminal offense categories. Of the 1,069 examinations reviewed, there were no instances in which the findings of one discipline contradicted the results of any other discipline.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA300302
Entities
People
- Gary D. Light
- John R. Schwartz
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense